Thomas P. Dunne, Sr.

Thomas P. Dunne, Sr. of St. Louis, MO and Naples, FL passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at the age of 77.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqualyn V. Dunne (nee Resa).  Beloved son of the late Thomas C. and Adele A. (nee Maliner) Dunne.  He is survived by his two children, Cynthia N. Dunne and Thomas P. Dunne, Jr., and six grandchildren: Jessica, Joshua, Jincy, Josey, James and Joy Dunne.  Also, his beloved companion for the past 20 years Kathy L. Linsin.

Tom graduated from Christian Brothers College (CBC) in 1961.  During the summer breaks, he started working at Fred Weber, Inc. (FWI) as a laborer where he discovered his passion.  In 1965, he graduated from Washington University with his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering.  Upon graduation, he started working full time at FWI and received his Professional Engineer registration in 1970.  Shortly, thereafter, at 27 years of age, he was promoted to Vice President of Construction.  He worked his way up to Executive Vice President in 1978, President in 1980, and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in 1986 after a management buyout from the Weber family. Under his leadership from the 1980’s through his retirement in 2012, the company grew from $75M to $375M in annual revenues.  Tom developed the corporate motto “The ‘We’ in Weber Makes the Difference,” valuing employees as the greatest asset of the company.

Throughout his career, Tom served on a variety of Boards including St. Louis University Board of Trustees, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, and World Presidents’ Organization.  He was a founding member of the Regional Business Council and served on the Executive Committee for three terms. He chaired the Public Policy and Infrastructure Committees and developed Forward Metro St. Louis, a business and civic collaboration to improve the quality of life in St. Louis.  He also participated as a member of the RCGA Executive Board, the Archdiocesan Development Appeal, St. Louis University Presidents’ Council, SSM Healthcare Central Region, and Forest Park Forever.  

Tom was a devout Catholic.  He treated the opportunity to help others as a privilege and often chose to forego recognition for his kindnesses.  He generously supported the St. Louis community through the St. Patrick’s Center, Backstoppers, CBC High School, Marygrove Children’s Center and Chaminade College Prep and Whitfield School.  

In Naples, Tom was active as a member of Bear’s Paw Country Club, Naples Sailing and Yacht Club and Greater Naples Leadership, Inc.

Amongst everything Tom achieved throughout his lifetime, he considered his children and grandchildren his greatest accomplishments.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108. 

His family has chosen a private burial. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Tom’s name to one of the following organizations:

St. Ann Hispanic Scholarship Fund, 542 Eighth Avenue S., Naples, FL  34102

Marygrove Children Center, 2705 Mullanphy Ln, Florissant, 63031

St. Patrick’s Center, 800 N. Tucker Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63101